Latest Update Coronavirus

Business Support – Latest Updates

Supreme Court ruled some insurers should have paid out for losses caused by lockdown

Judges ruled that the ‘disease’ clauses in some business interruption policies should have meant they were covered. Many insurers disputed the claims. The test case was brought by the Financial Conduct Authority and had the potential to affect 370,000 mostly small businesses. Read more here on the FCA’s website.

For businesses looking to support NHS Staff and NHS Trusts

Gus Wilson – gus.wilson@london.gov.uk is the key point of contact for this group. Offers can be sent directly to Covid.InKind@london.gov.uk.  The immediate priorities for the next 6 weeks are:

·         Refreshments – coffee, tea, cold drinks

·         Bottled water

·         Food – wholesome, healthy meals as well as treats and fast food

·         Care packs – including hand cream, face cream, lip balm, hair bands

·         Accommodation

·         Discount cards and vouchers 

·         NHS Staff, especially London Ambulance Service & paramedics who work from vehicles – use of staff toilets. 

RBKC Make a Mayor’s Award nomination

Nominations are now open and will close at 23.59 on Sunday 31 January 2021. There are four different categories of Mayor’s Awards. If you would like further guidance please do not hesitate to get in contact with the Mayor’s Office team using the contact information provided on the Awards page.

The census is taking place in March 2021

It’s a survey that happens every 10 years and gives us a picture of all the people and households in England and Wales. By taking part and encouraging others to do the same, you’ll help make sure you and your community get the services you need.  Find out more at www.census.gov.uk.Follow the census @Census2021

And lastly,

Government Transition arrangements, act now to keep your business moving in 2021 

Business Minister Paul Scully MP has urged businesses who have not yet taken steps to prepare for the UK’s new start since we left the EU’s Customs Union and single market, to take action now. In his message to business, the Minister highlights six key actions that many firms need to take. They are: 

  1. Goods – if you import or export goods to the EU, you must get an EORI number, make customs declarations or employ an agent to do them for you, check if your goods require extra papers (like plant or animal products) and speak to the EU business you’re trading with to make sure they’re completing the right EU paperwork. There are also special rules that apply to Northern Ireland. Hauliers must obtain a Kent Access Permit and have a negative COVID test before they head to port in Kent  
  2. Services – if you deliver services to the EU, you must check whether your professional qualification is recognised by the appropriate EU regulator  
  3. People – if you need to hire skilled staff from the EU, you must apply to become a licensed sponsor  
  4. Travel – if you need to travel to the EU for business, you must check whether you need a visa or work permit  
  5. Data – if your goods are protected by Intellectual Property (IP), you will need to check the new rules for parallel exporting IP protected goods from the UK to the EU, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. You risk infringing on IP rights if you do not follow the new rules  
  6. Accounting and reporting – if your business has a presence in the EU you may need to change how you undertake accounting and reporting to ensure compliance with the relevant requirements  

These 6 key actions should act as a guide for every business affected by the new rules, with more detailed, personalised advice available through the checker tool on gov.uk/transition. For more information, click here. To access the Brexit checker tool, click here

Federation of Small Businesses – The UK transition: key terms

The UK transition brings new ways of doing business as well as a new set of terminology to master. FSB takes a look at the terms you need to know. Read the blog here.

Government Transition arrangements – training grant

If you are an importer or exporter and complete, or intend to complete, customers declarations internally for your own goods, you can apply for £1,000 per organisation to support the cost of basic customs training. See guidance on GOV.UK.

From London Business Hub – advice on Brexit

FREE 1-2-1 advice and guidance to businesses to support them with the changes that impact them from 1st January due to Brexit. Keep an eye out on this page https://www.businesshub.london/resource/brexit-business-resource-hub/ where you will find the link to book an appointment with a specialist adviser.